I now have Windows XP and I have been thinking about switching to Vista. In fact as part of going to Vista I have also been thinking about buying a new computer.

Does anyone here have Vista or do you know somebody who does? What are your experiences with it, is it good or bad? Is Vista worth the cost? How easy is it to work with?

Please note, I don't know lots and lots about computers. I can easily get mine to do what I need it to do which is the basics of surf the internet, participate in forums like this, download things like pictures and such from the internet and store them, write a letter or something and print it and store it in my files, basic record keeping. That's about it. There is a lot about computers I don't know or feel I need to know. I might like to add Photoshop that sounds like it might be fun.

A big reason I want Vista is that it's the newest of the new and I like futuristic and new stuff like that. But I first wanted to get some feedback from others who have had some experience with Vista. Is Vista a good system? Is it easy to use? Is it worth the cost? questions like that.

Thanks for any information anyone can give me with this.

I have two computers, one with XP and one with Vista. I keep running into incompatibility problems between programs and Vista. I would certainly NEVER load Vista onto the computer that has XP. If you buy a computer, you will pretty well be stuck with Vista, but I think you would be making a big mistake replacing XP on a computer you already have with Vista. You can access more ram with Vista, but there are few programs that will take advantage of the extra ram in any case. If there's a WOW feature to Vista, I haven't discovered it. Mostly, having to contend with it on my new computer has been a pain in the ass.

I'm typing this message on my XP computer. I use the Vista computer -- even though it's a more powerful computer -- only for a couple of graphics programs. I use the XP computer for everything else.

Ye old saying "Keep your head down and never volunteer for anything"

In the world of computers it's the early adopters who encounter the majority of bugs and suffer the most headaches. I try to limit my exposer to cutting edge technology to just what is necessary to stay in the game.

Even with tons of beta testing when ever a new OS comes out there are going to be a lot of bugs, and it also takes a while for the software companies to take advantage of the new features. I always try to wait any where from 6 - 18 months for things to shake out with a new OS.

I have to say I have very mixed opinions on Vista. Personally I'm not a huge fan of the seemingly huge speed hit my computer has taken, but then I'm running with all teh bells and whistles so I suppose that's at least partly my fault.

I am surprised at one thing though, and that's how rarely my computer crashes. I've been running Vista for almost a year now, and I think I can count the number of complete lockups/crashes on one hand. With XP, I tended to have to reformat every 6 months or so, but I honestly think I could get another 6 months out of Vista if I tried.

If you haven't switched yet though, I'd recommend holding off another month or two until after Microsoft releases Vista Service Pack 1. (And the inevitable initial round of bugfixes that usually follow a SP release.) It usually takes MS until SP1 to get the initial glitches out of software and get out of their 'final beta' state.

"F" Vista.

I loathe it.

Stick with XP until at LEAST SP1 is out, maybe even SP2.

Just my unbiased, disinterested opinion.

I Worship Women (imported) wrote: Sat Dec 29, 2007 1:32 pm I now have Windows XP and I have been thinking about switching to Vista. In fact as part of going to Vista I have also been thinking about buying a new computer.

Does anyone here have Vista or do you know somebody who does? What are your experiences with it, is it good or bad? Is Vista worth the cost? How easy is it to work with?

Please note, I don't know lots and lots about computers. I can easily get mine to do what I need it to do which is the basics of surf the internet, participate in forums like this, download things like pictures and such from the internet and store them, write a letter or something and print it and store it in my files, basic record keeping. That's about it. There is a lot about computers I don't know or feel I need to know. I might like to add Photoshop that sounds like it might be fun.

A big reason I want Vista is that it's the newest of the new and I like futuristic and new stuff like that. But I first wanted to get some feedback from others who have had some experience with Vista. Is Vista a good system? Is it easy to use? Is it worth the cost? questions like that.

Thanks for any information anyone can give me with this.

I work as a case manager (Tier III customer support) for a major computer company. I can share that from my experience, the 'techies' don't like Vista because the security features prevent people from making certain alterations. Vista is in fact safer & more user friendly than any previous MS OS. I can't get into specifics, because the benefits of certain features will depend on the individual user. Yes, there has been some limitiations in compatible software, but that's because it's new & it'll take a bit for software companies to catch up. Is the SP something to look forward to? Absolutely, though I wouldn't & didn't wait to buy both a laptop & desktop that have Vista pre-installed. For the record, it wasn't because of any employee discount either. The brands that I purchased are not of the same brand as the company that I work for, only because I got some excellent deals thanks to rebates. I will say, that I personally would not upgrade from an XP OS to a Vista OS because yes, at times it does create some complications. There was also an issue with MS intentionally making it so that some third party programs would run slower than they should. This was resolved by a class action suit that was filed against them & it'll now be one of the things corrected with the SP. Should you wait until the SP comes out to buy a Vista system? That's totally based on your personal preference. That's my two cents & I hope that I've been somewhat helpful.

Vista should be a great product as soone we get the SP1 ready. I tried SP1 release candidate and i was satisfied with the results.

The rules for a smooth Vista experience are:

1- Generally speaking don't bother updating an actual computer to Vista. Start from scratch. The cost of adding ram, video card, more hard drive and replacing some peripheral wont make it worthy.

2- Avoid any entry level Vista computer, the 499$ desktop or the 699$ laptop wont give you good result at all. Look for middle range computer with as much ram u can afford (2gig is a good start with vista), stay away from integrated video card. As an example avoid the inspiron line from DELL, the Presario or Pavillion from HP Compaq.

3- Be prepared to start working with new version of your favorite softwares.

4-Vista is very nice, but the geek often need to leave his tech head behind when making friend with. Mom and Pop usually get used to vista quite easily.

In conclusion, if u are not willing to put some big buck on a middle range computer (Decent Vista machine start at around 1300$), you may be better to keep your actual computer for a while or if in absolute need of a computer u can always look at companies that are doing IT assets management. They often get 1 2 3 years computer in good shape for rock bottom price. I personnaly use a few of theses "recycled" computers with great results. These are not the usual crapputer from retail stores, they are high ends workstation that have good quality components. My 2years old IBM T42 laptop outperform the brand new pavillion from crapmart at haft the price and will probably last longer...

just my two cents

regards

Radar69

radar69 (imported) wrote: Sat Dec 29, 2007 9:53 pm In conclusion, if u are not willing to put some big buck on a middle range computer (Decent Vista machine start at around 1300$), you may be better to keep your actual computer for a while or if in absolute need of a computer u can always look at companies that are doing IT assets management. They often get 1 2 3 years computer in good shape for rock bottom price. I personnaly use a few of theses "recycled" computers with great results. These are not the usual crapputer from retail stores, they are high ends workstation that have good quality components. My 2years old IBM T42 laptop outperform the brand new pavillion from crapmart at haft the price and will probably last longer...

Radar69

I would tend to disagree that if you're not ready to shell out $1300, buy a pre-owned computer. People that are not technically inclined, & I include myself in this group, find peace of mind & convenience in owning a new computer with a factory warranty & tech support.

When Vista comes with a big red blinking button that says, "Look and act just like Windows 2000" then I'll consider it.

If you trust, a firm like microbuck's and agree that they tell you what is secure and if you don't want to make choice's. O, and most important if you want to spend money. Then use microsuck's stuff. They will get in to your puter to look if you have illegal stuff there. (licence's i mean) But if you just want to surf, type some letter's, exchange some file's or do some work on photo's i Would say start with linux. It's simple, easy to use. Use a modern distro like open suse or fedora they are easy'r to install nowaday's. And it saves a lot of money. The only thing that you will have to do is read, but that you also shoul'd do with windoze

good luck